Asymmetric Warfare - Can the Civil Reserve Air Fleet Meet the Challenge
Abstract
From the beginning of the use of airpower as a means to transport men and material, commercial airlines have provided the necessary augmentation to allow military operational planners to incorporate additional civil lift as part of it's warfighting capability. This concept of commercial airline augmentation of military lift was formalized in 1952 and called the "Civil Reserve Air Fleet" or CRAF program. Conventional U.S. military strategy saw CRAF flying safely into allied airfields far from enemy lines and the physical risk to commercial air carriers was considered low. Yet, as was seen during Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, it was necessary for CRAF to fly directly into Saudi Arabian airbases under the threat of surface-to-surface missile and chemical attacks, a situation that CRAF aircrews were unprepared to face. Future conflicts may constitute a greater threat to CRAF than in the case of the Gulf War. Proactive initiation of programs to mitigate known asymmetric threats to commercial carriers employed in either a voluntary or activation mode will go a long way in strengthening carrier confidence in the CRAF program. In addition, it will ensure that this important strategic asset will not be degraded when it is needed most.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA391137
Entities
People
- Cheryl A. Mach
Organizations
- United States Army War College